Baby monkey's first Christmas

5th December 2013

Standing just six inches tall, with a wrinkly face poking out from under a quiff of black hair, ZSL London Zoo’s newest baby has arrived just in time for Christmas – and the endangered monkey is a very welcome gift.

Born to mum, Wino, and dad, Gaston, a pair of Sulawesi crested macaques; the tiny male is a hugely valuable addition to the European breeding programme for this endangered species, which is threatened in the wild by habitat loss and poaching.

Keepers asked ZSL London Zoo Facebook fans for help naming the new arrival. After some intense voting from the public, the young monkey was finally named Dobby after a certain favourite elf - a perfect choice as the youngster settles in for his first Christmas.

Dobby will be spending Christmas with his family group at ZSL London Zoo where keepers will be giving the playful primates plenty of festive treats, including stuffed stockings and puzzling enrichment toys.